Water Country

Along with the start of Summer, comes the opening of Water Country. Bonnie and I went just the two of us first. I realized I haven't carved out intentional time with just her since Riser was born. So one Saturday, we left the boys behind and had a special girls day. We stopped to get a pink sprinkled donut along the way (true to Bonnie, she took a couple licks off the top and said she was all done). 

We did Aquazoid (a water slide), the splash pad, and Hubba Hubba highway (lazy river). It was so fun having time with just her, and so much easier too! She loved getting to go wherever she wanted without worrying about anyone else's agenda. We will definitely start doing more frequent dates. 

Later that week, I took both kids and we met up with Katie and the twins. Riser was fascinated all morning.

Last year - Riser's first experience at Water Country

On Father's Day, we all went as a family. This was Eric's first Water Country experience since we've been married, since he didn't have a pass last year. It was so fun to do water slides as a family! We all did Aquazoid and Big Daddy Falls - both firsts for Riser this year as well. He doesn't usually show any emotion when he does something new, but so long as he's not crying we think he likes it. 

What a great start to the season - so thankful to have places like this nearby!

Bonnie's artwork

I loved Katie's idea of taking a picture of the kids' artwork each year so we have it saved somewhere. Bonnie absolutely loves hanging a new piece of art on her door and is always so proud. This is a culmination of the highlights from the past year (Fall 2022 through Spring 2023). 

A couple of our favorites:

Her thankful tree, in which she was asked what she was thankful for:

The very first smiley face (or anything resembling anything other than a scribble):

I watched all the other littles come out of her class holding up their sheep (the popsicle stick legs accurately placed under their bodies) and then Bonnie so proudly handed me hers.

Her first picture she actually tried to differentiate colors for different things or "color things in". 

Most of you know I have always loved art and coloring. I have tried so hard to get Bonnie to sit and color with me. As of right now, it's just not something she's very interested in. But that doesn't stop her from being so proud of her artwork, and we love it!

May extras

May was full of activities coming to an end, various visitors, welcoming summer, and lots of time outside. Most of these pictures don't really need much explanation, just want to have them captured somewhere. 

Girls night bowling for a friend's birthday. 

Lots of beautiful walks.

And digging - we still really love digging. We keep a bucket and shovel in the back of the car wherever we go.

Grandma came down - twice!

The Conrads came to visit, which was so special having us all together again.

Beach season is upon us.

Making her morning coffee with lemon.

Officially got the boat in the water.

Lots and lots of picnics. In the backyard, on walks, at parks.

Who says you can't read and play at the same time?

Our snuggler.

Riser went on his first rides - Elmo's Squire and Oscar's Whirly Worms (since then Aunt Katie has also taken him on the teacups and Elephant Run). 

I think the lady next to him was so nervous for him because she kept her hand on his foot the whole time. She was very sweet. 

At my last MOPS (mothers of preschoolers) meeting, the kids came in and sang us the songs they had been working on all year. It was so sweet to watch.

And we said goodbye to some of our sweet sweet friends for the summer. 

My cousins Jesse and Rachel came to visit.

All the grandkids loved exploring Mom and Dave's new van.

We went to visit mom and Dave's camp site one day.

All the water activities have been brought out for the season.

This boy can sleep anywhere.

Playing in the creek.

We went to Yorktown Beach on Memorial Day weekend.

We've had some good puddles to splash in, and rain to play in.

We had a really last minute cook out for some neighbors on Memorial Day.

Bonnie was overheard telling her friend Victor that they were now married and she gave him a rock (an actual rock) to put on her finger.

We had a cookout with our small group to finish out the season until Fall. Unfortunately it was raining so it was moved indoors.

We've obviously had lots of cousin time, as usual. The greatest perk of living here. 

Summertime is officially here!